Walsall fight on with home game
Walsall renew the fight to fill the Banks's Stadium's empty seats as well as the team's potential against Swindon.
Walsall renew the fight to fill the Banks's Stadium's empty seats as well as the team's potential against Swindon.
The Saddlers tackle the Robins tomorrow determined to lift the gloom of four successive defeats and put their League One campaign back in forward motion.
Rarely has the club needed a lift more with a gates so far running at a 3,800 average and two thirds of their stadium unoccupied, as Walsall feel the force of a tough economic climate.
A 'family fun day', which sees the Saddlers offering entry for one adult and two juniors for just £10 tomorrow is the latest initiative aimed at fighting the turnstiles recession.
It's not going to be easy with Villa at home and a Hawthorns derby between Albion and Blues providing rival attractions for the floating supporter.
But manager Chris Hutchings and his players know that nothing breeds a growth in attendances more than success on the pitch - so a victory is vital against Swindon.
He said: We've got massive clubs on our doorstep which doesn't make it any easier.
"Even if we were top of the league it might be difficult to get too many more in against that sort of competition. But it's up to us to give our fans something to send them home happy.
"How we start will be vital."
Swindon have been talking a similar language to Walsall this season, insisting their mixed-bag of results do not reflect the potential of the team.
But, whereas the Saddlers have lost momentum after a brighter start because of four successive defeats, the visitors are buoyed by three unbeaten games which include two victories over League One big boys Southampton.
Hutchings believes the visitors must be feeling the effects of problems up front.
Having let striker Billy Paynter go to Leeds in the summer, the 1-0 home win over the Saints came at the cost of a dislocated shoulder for key striker Charlie Austin.
Hutchings said: "Paynter would have been a massive loss and now I'm sure Danny is waiting to see how Austin is.
"I'm happy with the options we have got, especially with Alex Nicholls coming back into contention after suspension.
"That is a plus for us."
